When should dry needling be avoided or postponed?

The decision to avoid or postpone dry needling is particularly pertinent when dealing with patients experiencing an acute injury or severe inflammation in the treatment area. In these situations, the tissue is already compromised and inflamed, and introducing needles for dry needling could exacerbate the condition, leading to increased pain and further inflammation. The underlying goal of dry needling is to alleviate muscle tension and promote recovery, so initiating treatment under such conditions would not only be ineffective but could also impede the healing process.

The other choices can have varying implications but do not represent the same level of caution needed as in the case of acute injuries or severe inflammation. For example, while a patient’s desire to try dry needling is important for informed consent, it does not alone warrant treatment if other contraindications exist. Similarly, while a patient undergoing other treatments may need a coordinated approach, it does not necessitate postponing dry needling unless specific contraindications are present. Lastly, suggesting to avoid dry needling always, regardless of the situation, would not be practical, as each patient's circumstances must be evaluated individually to determine the appropriateness of this treatment.